Borana Lodge

A riding holiday in Kenya perfect for families and riders of mixed abilities. Relax on a riding safari at the luxurious Borana Lodge, with views over the Samangua Valley and Lewa Plains. Set out on horseback each day in search of big game including elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra or even lion - the less experienced riders can stay in areas of non-dangerous game. Also ideal for non-riders with a great selection of activities available.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Horseback Safari
10 days / 7 riding
From £4,200
Family holidays
from 8 y.o
Open to non-riders

From the horse’s mouth

  • Borana Lodge
    May 2022 RACHEL aged 32
    Equus Journeys organized a riding holiday for my mom, myself, and my sister to Kenya. We had an absolute trip of a lifetime. We stayed at two different lodges (Borana and Sosian), both of which were five star accommodations. We had a wonderful time riding at both sites and loved the opportunity to ride quality horses... Read all
  • Borana Lodge
    May 2022 LAURA aged 63
    Our trip was organized to the last detail, went smoothly, and lived up to all of my expectations. I would highly recommend. Kiki at Borana was a very good ride. Obedient, not spooky around the animals, and very comfortable. Diego at Sosian was much the same. Horses were sure footed and trustworthy.
  • Rider at Borana Lodge and Conservancy watching giraffe on horseback
    Africa in the saddle is a magical experience
  • Wild rhino at Borana Lodge in Kenya
    Riding with rhino at Borana Lodge
  • Riders in Kenya at Borana Lodge and Conservancy
    Explore Borana conservancy on a horse safari holiday
  • Horseback riders riding in the wilds of Borana Lodge in Kenya
    Discover Kenya in the saddle
  • Riding holiday at Borana Lodge - riders watching giraffe during a riding safari
    A riding holiday in Kenya perfect for families and riders of mixed abilities
  • Group of riders around a bonfire at Borana Lodge, Kenya
    Enjoy a traditional safari experience at Borana, Kenya

Itinerary

Highlights

- Borana lodge has only 8 cottages so feels very private and exclusive. The lodge overlooks a watering hole so you can view game without leaving your cottage
- Ideal for mixed groups of riders and non-riders as game drives, guided walks and cycling are on offer
- Good game viewing including all of the Big Five
- Children and novices can ride from one of the stables if they wish
- Arrive/depart on any day and stay for as long as you like (minimum stay of 3 nights)
- All retained earnings generated by a stay at Borana Lodge are invested into the sustainable conservation of land, wildlife and building local livelihoods.
  • Day 1 1: LONDON - NAIROBI

    Overnight flight from London to Nairobi. If you choose a day flight, which arrives into Nairobi in the evening then you will need to overnight in a hotel in the city before transferring to the lodge the following morning.

    Flights are not included but we can assist with this on request.
  • Day 2 2: NAIROBI - BORANA LODGE - 2 hours riding

    Borana lodge
    On arrival at Nairobi international airport you will be met and transferred to Borana lodge, either by road or by light aircraft.

    If transferring by light aircraft then you will be transferred to Wilson domestic airport to board your flight (these transfers are not included in the listed prices). On arrival at Lewa airstrip you will be transferred by safari vehicle to Borana lodge - this is a journey of c. 1-2 hours depending on how much game you meet on the way.

    After being shown to your cottage, you can either relax for the afternoon or go for your first ride to blow the cobwebs away. Dinner is taken with all guests around one large table.

    NB. Please note that this is a sample itinerary and the actual itinerary is flexible depending on your wishes.
  • Day 3 3: BORANA LODGE - 4-6 hours riding

    Borana lodge
    This programme is extremely flexible: you can choose to ride every day, or go for a walking safari, or even choose to go with a safari vehicle or a mountain bike! You are free, and very welcome, to organise your days as you please.

    Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. For your safety, you will be accompanied by professional, armed guides.

    Other additional activities might include:
    - Safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, famous for its population of black and white rhinos,
    - Visits to local Masai communities,
    - For 2+ people, the Camp can organise an overnight stay in a comfortable fly camp with showers and bathroom. A thrilling experience! (early booking reccommended).
  • Day 4 4: BORANA LODGE

    Borana lodge
    This programme is extremely flexible: you can choose to ride every day, or go for a walking safari, or even choose to go with a safari vehicle or a mountain bike! You are free, and very welcome, to organise your days as you please.

    Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. For your safety, you will be accompanied by professional, armed guides.

    Other additional activities might include:
    - Safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, famous for its population of black and white rhinos,
    - Visits to local Masai communities,
    - For 2+ people, the Camp can organise an overnight stay in a comfortable fly camp with showers and bathroom. A thrilling experience! (early booking reccommended).
  • Day 5 5: BORANA LODGE - 4-6 hours riding

    Borana lodge
    This programme is extremely flexible: you can choose to ride every day, or go for a walking safari, or even choose to go with a safari vehicle or a mountain bike! You are free, and very welcome, to organise your days as you please.

    Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. For your safety, you will be accompanied by professional, armed guides.

    Other additional activities might include:
    - Safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, famous for its population of black and white rhinos,
    - Visits to local Masai communities,
    - For 2+ people, the Camp can organise an overnight stay in a comfortable fly camp with showers and bathroom. A thrilling experience! (early booking reccommended).
  • Day 6 6: BORANA LODGE - 4-6 hours riding

    Borana lodge
    This programme is extremely flexible: you can choose to ride every day, or go for a walking safari, or even choose to go with a safari vehicle or a mountain bike! You are free, and very welcome, to organise your days as you please.

    Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. For your safety, you will be accompanied by professional, armed guides.

    Other additional activities might include:
    - Safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, famous for its population of black and white rhinos,
    - Visits to local Masai communities,
    - For 2+ people, the Camp can organise an overnight stay in a comfortable fly camp with showers and bathroom. A thrilling experience! (early booking reccommended).
  • Day 7 7: BORANA LODGE - 4-6 hours riding

    Borana lodge
    This programme is extremely flexible: you can choose to ride every day, or go for a walking safari, or even choose to go with a safari vehicle or a mountain bike! You are free, and very welcome, to organise your days as you please.

    Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. For your safety, you will be accompanied by professional, armed guides.

    Other additional activities might include:
    - Safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, famous for its population of black and white rhinos,
    - Visits to local Masai communities,
    - For 2+ people, the Camp can organise an overnight stay in a comfortable fly camp with showers and bathroom. A thrilling experience! (early booking recommended).
  • Day 8 8: BORANA LODGE - 4-6 hours riding

    Borana lodge
    This programme is extremely flexible: you can choose to ride every day, or go for a walking safari, or even choose to go with a safari vehicle or a mountain bike! You are free, and very welcome, to organise your days as you please.

    Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. For your safety, you will be accompanied by professional, armed guides.

    Other additional activities might include:
    - Safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, famous for its population of black and white rhinos,
    - Visits to local Masai communities,
    - For 2+ people, the Camp can organise an overnight stay in a comfortable fly camp with showers and bathroom. A thrilling experience! (early booking reccommended).
  • Day 9 9: BORANA - NAIROBI - up to 2 hours

    Depending on the time of your departure, there may be time for a short morning ride. Otherwise you will depart after breakfast for your light aircraft transfer back to Nairobi.

    You will be transferred from the domestic airport to the International airport in time for your flight back to the UK, which will depart in the late evening. International flights are not included but we can assist with these for you on request.
  • Day 10 10: LONDON

    Arrive back in London in the early morning.

Dates & prices

Price details

PLEASE NOTE - AVAILABILITY AT BORANA LODGE CAN CHANGE ON A DAILY BASIS. If no rooms are available over the listed dates, we may offer slightly different arrival/departure dates or offer rooms of a different standard. Please contact us for an accurate quotation.

- International and domestic flights are not included

- Prices are based on sharing a twin/double room in a lodge room. For room types, please see under the "did you know" tab. Reserve entry fees are included.

- Transfers from Nairobi (subject to change)
> Road transfers from Nairobi to Borana (4.5 hrs from Nairobi to Borana) c. $400/£315 per vehicle each way in (2023), or $350/£280 (2024).
> Air transfer from Wilson airport to Borana approx. $431/£331 return rate (2023), or $453/£360 (2024).
> Road transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Wilson: $70/£55 one way.
For air charter transfers, international flights should arrive into Nairobi early morning (before 06:00 am) to allow you to connect onto the internal flight to Lewa. If not, you will need to arrive early and stay in Nairobi overnight. Return flights should depart in the late evening.

- Dates are flexible and you can arrive/depart on any day and stay for as long as you like. The rates are based on a 7-nights stay and as such benefit from a long-stay rate - the nightly rate for shorter stay might be a little higher. Please contact us for a quote.

- Single supplements are payable if you end up in your own room - they vary according to the season, please contact us. Budget $1400/£1130/€1320 - $2100/£1680/€2000 per person.

- There are discounts for children sharing rooms with their parents and children under the age of 5 stay free of charge.

- Fly camping set up fee: $300/€245/£230 per group (max 12), in 2023 or $600/€560/£480 .

- Hotel accommodation and transfers in Nairobi are not included - there are many hotel options available and we can quote according to your preference and budget.

Additional costs per person:
Afternoon departure with lunch - $50
Guide / pilot accommodation (excluding conservation fee) - $200
Visit to Ngare Ndare Forest - $40 per adult, $5 per vehicle
Visit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy - $150 per adult, $75 per child
Visit to Kisima Floriculture project per group - $70
Fly Camping set up fee per group - $600
Exclusive use of a vehicle per day - $350
E-Bike adventures on Borana Conservancy - $80
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 horse per rider

Accommodation

Double room in lodges

Meals

Full board from lunch on day 2 to breakfast on day 9

Extras

Activities including shared game drives (day and night), guided bush walks, horse riding, mountain biking and behind-the-scenes conservation activities, Farm to fork experience
Conservation fees

Price doesn't include

Meals

2 meals on Day 9 in Nairobi

Accommodation

Possible night in Nairobi depending on your airline schedule

Transports

International flights
Transfers from Nairobi

Extra

Hotel accommodation and transfers in Nairobi

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Visas and personal purchase

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement - varies depending on the season and room type, please contact us.
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    05/04/2024 14/04/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    12/04/2024 21/04/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    19/04/2024 28/04/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    26/04/2024 05/05/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    03/05/2024 12/05/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    10/05/2024 19/05/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    17/05/2024 26/05/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    24/05/2024 02/06/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    31/05/2024 09/06/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    07/06/2024 16/06/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    14/06/2024 23/06/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    21/06/2024 30/06/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    28/06/2024 07/07/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    05/07/2024 14/07/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
    Full
    12/07/2024 21/07/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
    Full
    19/07/2024 28/07/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    26/07/2024 04/08/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    02/08/2024 11/08/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    09/08/2024 18/08/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
    Full
    16/08/2024 25/08/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    23/08/2024 01/09/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
    Full
    30/08/2024 08/09/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
    Full
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/09/2024 15/09/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
    Full
    13/09/2024 22/09/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    20/09/2024 29/09/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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    27/09/2024 06/10/2024 £4,760 €5,474 $5,902
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    04/10/2024 13/10/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    11/10/2024 20/10/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    18/10/2024 27/10/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    25/10/2024 03/11/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    01/11/2024 10/11/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    08/11/2024 17/11/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    15/11/2024 24/11/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    22/11/2024 01/12/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    29/11/2024 08/12/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
    Full
    06/12/2024 15/12/2024 £4,200 €4,830 $5,208
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    13/12/2024 22/12/2024 £4,365 €5,020 $5,413
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    20/12/2024 29/12/2024 £5,570 €6,406 $6,907
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Equestrian info

Horses

There are 26 horses at Borana ranch, mainly Thoroughbreds or Thoroughbred crosses standing between 14.2hh and 16.3hh. All the horses are well schooled and ridden in snaffle bridles. Most saddles are English style Wintec's but there are one or two Australian stock saddles.

At Ngare Ndare stable near to the Ngare Ndare River there are bush ponies which are suitable for all abilities, including children. These horses live in the bush with the plains game and so can get close to the giraffe and antelope.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

The horses at Borana Lodge and Kisima are only suitable for competent riders and as this is an area of potentially dangerous game, riders should be capable and confident at all paces in open spaces. However the horses and riding at the Ngare Ndare stable are suitable for children and novice riders, so it will be possible for all guests to ride during a week's stay. Those who wish to ride everyday will need to be at least confident intermediate standard.

Pace

The pace is mixed to include walk, trot, canter and gallop. When watching game, you will be mainly walking, but there are opportunities for faster riding where the terrain allows.

Tacking ability and participation

The horses are tacked and untacked for you.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

As this is a centre based ride, you don't need any special experience and can opt out of any rides for a more leisurely stay.

There are a good selection of horses to suit a wide range of riding abilities, including ponies for children.The guides will tailor the riding to suit everyone. There is faster riding for experienced riders.

Equestrian equipment

Horses are ridden in English tack.
There is a small number of Australian stock saddle and American saddles.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

There are 8 cottages at Borana Lodge - four with double beds and four with twin beds, both of which are Queen size. Four of the cottages have their own verandah; two of the cottages share a verandah. Each of the cottages has an open fireplace and private bathroom.

The lodge is set in a verdant garden of indigenous plants and has an infinity pool overlooking the watering hole frequented by elephants. The main lodge area has a dining room and a sitting room with sofas and armchairs. There are also options for riders interested in spending an overnight at a luxurious fly camp.

Meals

Food at Borana is where ever possible locally sourced, organically grown on their own farms and those of their neighbours. There is juice freshly squuezed from the fruit in the orchard and wine from around the world. The chefs have great fun preparing delicious and healthy cuisine to suit any palette and cater for all dietary requirements and ages. Meals are served in the lodge, in the bush or in a treehouse.



Climate

The weather in Kenya is fine all year round with little seasonal variation.
The long rains fall in April and May and the short rains in November. During the day it will get hot while at night temperatures can drop quite sharply and it can feel cold.
February, March, and April are the hottest months with an average of 20-21° C in the day and maximum of up to 27° C.
The temperatures in May are around 19 ° C.
The coldest months are June, July, August with temperatures between 16 and 17° C with a maximum of 25° on better days .
Temperatures in September are around 18° C.
October, November, December and January have daytime temperatures around 19-20° C and 26° C on better days.

Tips

Tipping is customary in Kenya, always carry some small note denominations for drivers and porters in hotels or airports. It is customary to give a tip at the end of your safari, the amount will depend on the quality of the service you receive. Allow about $10 per day per person for the whole team.

Packing list

NB: Please be aware that Kenya has a strict law against single use plastic bags, which have been banned since 2017. Please do not use them for any of your packing and do not bring them into the country.

There is a 15kg luggage limit, but toiletries, towels, dressing gowns and hairdryers are all provided and there is a laundry service.

Head
-Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and thorns
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee and it's better to be prepared.
- Casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps to protect against thorns. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the lodge and camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for plunge pools
- Binoculars for viewing game
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Insect repellent and bite relief cream

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Anti malarial tablets and Yellow Fever Certificate if required (check with your doctor)

Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided, particularly for light air transfers. There is usually a luggage limit of 15kgs for the light aircraft transfer.
- Wherever possible you should wear neutral colours, such as beige, brown or natural bush colours for riding as bright colours, such as red, yellow or white can startle the wildlife and they will see you long before you've seen them
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Borana Conservancy is the non-profit conservation organisation dedicated to the sustainable conservation of critical habitat and wildlife. The team at Borana work closely with the local community and neighbouring reserves to provide a sustainable ecosystem to endangered species.

One your riding safari in Kenya, you are likely to encounter rhinos and elephants, both tragic victims to commercial poaching. Ivory and rhino horn can be sold for incredible amounts of money on the black market, and the recent years have seen a rise in poaching.

The team at Borana will be happy to tell you more about their conservation efforts during your horseback holiday.


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Find out more about the room types at Borana by following this link: www.equus-journeys.com/media/borana-room-description/borana-room-types.pdf

On the blog

A riding safari in Africa is an unforgettable experience. Really, nothing quite compares to watching giraffe on horseback, race with a herd of zebra or coming face to face with elephant. Horseback safaris are amongst our most exciting riding holidays and we are pleased to have a fantastic selection of options to suit novice and experienced riders alike. We have written the following guide to help you select your safari based on what wildlife you want to see. See more on the blog.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • RACHEL aged 32 MINNETONKA 1 trip
    May 2022
    Equus Journeys organized a riding holiday for my mom, myself, and my sister to Kenya. We had an absolute trip of a lifetime. We stayed at two different lodges (Borana and Sosian), both of which were five star accommodations. We had a wonderful time riding at both sites and loved the opportunity to ride quality horses... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • LAURA aged 63 Annandale 1 trip
    May 2022
    Our trip was organized to the last detail, went smoothly, and lived up to all of my expectations. I would highly recommend. Kiki at Borana was a very good ride. Obedient, not spooky around the animals, and very comfortable. Diego at Sosian was much the same. Horses were sure footed and trustworthy.
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide